Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Residents in Fort Simpson are being reminded to not leave things on their properties that may attract bears.
“It is getting close to that time of year again, where black bears are attracted to the berries around the village and residential areas outside of town,” states a social media post from the Department of Environment & Natural Resources, Dehcho Region.
“Please be proactive with storing garbage and attractants.”
The post also states that it’s a good idea to only place garbage out for pickup on pickup days.
Residents always have access to the emergency wildlife line at 867-695-7433.
– Erin Steele
Simpson celebrates treaty conference
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Liidlii Kue First Nation hosted a feast and drum dance July 13 to kick off its first treaty conference.
Community members were invited to “eat, laugh, and dance” at the Thomas Simpson School gym.
The celebration preceded the three-day conference called We Own the Land.
The event invited Treaty 11 members to Fort Simpson to “understand what happened with our Treaty, how it happened, where we are standing today in the settlement of land claims and treaty rights,” states the bulletin advertising the conference.
The celebratory night began with a 5 p.m. fire feeding ceremony, was followed by a community feast at 6 p.m., then a drum dance at 7 p.m.
The event was drug and alcohol free.
“It is about respecting the Dene laws and our old ways,” stated the bulletin advertising the event.
– Erin Steele
Getting dirty for fun
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
It was a muddy Saturday night July 14 in Norman Wells – on purpose.
The adult-only event Mud Bog Mania took place in Norman Wells at Esker Pitrun near the town dump.
A fundraiser for the event’s major sponsor, Sahtu Search and Rescue Society, registration was by donation to the society.
Trucks and quads registered for the event, which was scheduled to start by 8 p.m.
Other activities and aspects of the event included a dunk tank, a couple’s mud race, a beer garden, plus burgers and door prizes.
– Erin Steele
Bear sighted around dump
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
A bear sighting around the landfill prompted the Town of Norman Wells to issue a warning to residents.
“Please use extra caution when dropping of waste to the landfill,” states a bulletin on social media issued by the town.
There have been multiple sighting of a black bear in that area.
If anybody sees a bear, the town asks residents to report the sighting to the town’s department of public works “ASAP so that the proper authorities are notified.
“Thank you for your cooperation in this matter,” states the post, which was issued July 9.
– Erin Steele
New councillor to be elected
Jean Marie River
One new councillor will be elected in Jean Marie River July 25.
While it was not clear by press time what led to the empty seat, the election comes on the heels of another one earlier this year.
Nominations for prospective councillors opened July 13 and closed July 20.
On voting day, polls are open between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Candidates must be on the Jean Marie River First Nation membership list and be at least 18, among other rules.
While non-resident members may run for council, it must be made up of at least 50 per cent resident members.
– Erin Steele
Bike safety mixed with fun
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
Children on two wheels were scheduled to attend a bike rodeo on Fort Liard July 21.
Hosted by Fort Liard RCMP and Community Justice, the day of fun was set to include a helmet fitting, an obstacle course, “lots of prizes” and more.
“Learn about bike safety,” stated a bulletin advertising the event, which was set to take place at the Fort Liard RCMP Detachment.
All children were expected to be accompanied by an adult, stated the bulletin.
Activities were to take place between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
– Erin Steele